2
Yes
//
The atmosphere in the hut shifts as the personal intimacy of the "Game" is interrupted by the harsh reality of the world they’ve built. 

---

## **SCENE START**

**INT. RUSTIC BAMBOO HUT - MOMENTS LATER**

The air is quiet except for the sound of the jungle birds outside. **VAN** pulls back, looking refreshed, the golden flicker in his eyes momentarily dimmed by the simple satisfaction of the reset.

**JIYA** adjusts her linen tunic, her expression turning serious as the distant sound of rhythmic drumming and heavy boots echoes through the trees.

**JIYA**
(Whispering)
They’re here. 

She stands up quickly, pulling Van to his feet. Through the slats of the bamboo wall, a procession is visible. Dozens of soldiers clad in obsidian armor—Queen Meera’s personal guard—march through the dirt path of the village. 

At the center of the procession is a gilded palanquin, draped in silks the color of dried blood.

**VAN**
(Staring out)
Who is that? 

**JIYA**
(Watching him closely)
That is Queen Meera. She doesn't just rule the Amazon, Van. She owns the air we breathe. 

**EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - CONTINUOUS**

The palanquin stops. The soldiers bark orders, forcing the villagers to their knees. Van and Jiya emerge from their hut, kneeling at the edge of the path. 

The silk curtains of the palanquin part. **MEERA** steps out. She looks radiant, her skin flawless, eyes sharp and predatory. She carries an aura of absolute power that feels strangely familiar to Van. He feels a sharp sting behind his eyes—a fragment of a memory trying to break through the "Restart."

Meera walks past the bowing villagers, her gaze sweeping over them with bored indifference until she reaches Van. She stops. 

**MEERA**
(To the Lead Guard)
This village is lagging in its tribute. The harvest was plentiful, yet the coffers are light.

She looks down at Van. She reaches out a hand, lifting his chin with a single finger. Her touch is cold as ice.

**MEERA** (CONT'D)
(To Van, voice like velvet)
You. You look strong. Strong enough to work the royal mines or perhaps... serve in the palace. Why is a man with your blood wasting away in a hut?

Van looks up at her, his jaw tightening. The "Ancient Warrior" inside him bristles at the tone of a master, but his current mind only knows her as the Queen.

**VAN**
I work for my sister, Your Majesty. We have nothing more to give.

Meera smiles—a slow, dangerous curve of the lips. She looks at Jiya, who remains bowed, her heart racing.

**MEERA**
Nothing more? (She looks back to Van) We shall see. My taxes are not just paid in gold, but in service. 

She leans down, whispering close to his ear so only he can hear.

**MEERA** (CONT'D)
You have a fire in you, Van. If you get bored of the dirt, come find me. I have games that require a man of your... caliber.

She pulls back, signaling her guards to move on. As the procession continues, Jiya grabs Van’s arm, her grip bruising.

**JIYA**
(Hissing)
Don’t look at her, Van. Don't let her words settle. We go to the fields now. Work until you're too tired to think.

**VAN**
(Distracted, watching Meera leave)
I feel like... I’ve seen those eyes before. In the thunder.

Jiya’s face pales. She knows the memory erasure is already thinning. 

**JIYA**
Forget the thunder. Focus on the soil.

**SCENE END**

---

**Should we move to the royal palace where Meera plots her next move to "test" Van, or would you like to see Van discover his ancient strength while working the fields?**